# The Garden of Eden explained — At the Earth’s Core

> Chapter companion for At the Earth’s Core by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

David Innes, having fled from Dian's rejection, discovers a secluded valley he calls his 'Garden of Eden' and establishes a cave home. After a period of solitude, he returns to Dian and forcefully declares his love, only to discover she reciprocates. Their newfound happiness is threatened by the arrival of Jubal the Ugly One, whom David must fight to protect Dian.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Romance

David and Dian's relationship evolves from hostility to mutual love, culminating in a passionate embrace and declaration.

### Survival and Adaptation

David adapts to Pellucidar by hunting, finding shelter in a cave, and defending himself against Jubal.

### Heroism and Sacrifice

David risks his life to fight Jubal, believing he is going to his death to protect Dian.

## Character check-ins

### Dian the Beautiful

Initially cold and rejecting David, she reveals her love after he forcefully kisses her, showing her desire for proof of his affection.

### David Innes

Explores and settles in a valley, returns to confront Dian, and fights Jubal to protect her.

### Jubal the Ugly One

Arrives seeking Dian, attacks David in a rage, and is wounded in the ensuing duel.

## Key lines

> I shall leave you now, I said haughtily, I have had quite enough of your ingratitude and your insults

David angrily tells Dian he is leaving because he can no longer tolerate her coldness and disrespect.

_Shows David's frustration and wounded pride after Dian's rejection._

> Why didn't you do this at first, David? I have been waiting so long.

Dian reveals that she wanted David to show his love through forceful action rather than words.

_Key moment where Dian's true feelings are disclosed, reversing the earlier dynamic._

> What chance had I against this mighty warrior for whom even the fiercest cave bear had no terrors!

David feels hopeless facing Jubal, a warrior known for defeating dangerous beasts single-handedly.

_Highlights David's fear and the perceived danger of the confrontation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/at_the_earth_s_core_se/chapters/xiv-the-garden-of-eden
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/at_the_earth_s_core_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/at_the_earth_s_core_se/chapters